President Donald Trump has discussed the case of jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but emerged from the meeting with little optimism for the 78-year-old British citizen's release.

Family and supporters of Lai had pinned hopes on Trump leveraging his summit talks in Beijing to secure the release of the media tycoon, who has been imprisoned in Hong Kong on charges widely seen as politically motivated.

During his discussions with Xi, Trump reportedly inquired about Lai's situation. The Chinese leader characterized the case as "a tough one," according to sources familiar with the matter. This assessment suggests Beijing views the matter as settled or is unwilling to intervene, despite international pressure.

The exchange highlights the challenges faced by foreign governments in influencing China's judicial and political decisions, particularly concerning individuals deemed by Beijing to be undermining its authority. Lai's ongoing detention underscores the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong since the imposition of a national security law.

Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, faces multiple charges, including sedition. His legal battles have drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations and governments, who argue that his prosecution is an attempt to silence dissent and independent media in Hong Kong.

Trump's engagement, while acknowledged, has not yielded the breakthrough his supporters had hoped for. The outcome indicates that even direct presidential appeals may not be sufficient to sway Beijing on sensitive domestic issues. The case of Jimmy Lai continues to be a significant point of contention in the broader relationship between democratic nations and China.

Further developments are uncertain, as the legal process in Hong Kong is expected to continue. The international community will likely maintain its scrutiny of Lai's treatment and the broader implications for press freedom and the rule of law in the city.